Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2015, Randy has served as general manager of the Northern California Power Agency, contributing
• As I said, a very accomplished individual with much experience and contributions to this industry.
• So again, he's had a long history of leadership in the industry, and as he retires, please join me in
• After retiring from coaching, Coach Bean became Laney's athletic director.
• We thank you for being here today to honor Cynthia's amazing contributions to the state of California

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and several guest introductions recognizing visitors including Leadership Torrance participants, former Assembly Member Hector de la Torre, University of the Pacific President Christopher Callahan, and other higher education leaders. The body then approved the Senate journals and moved through the daily file and gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences were considered and confirmed, and a confirmation for the California Community Colleges Board of Governors was also approved. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 140, designating April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, with members speaking about research, advocacy, and the personal impact of the disease. Senate Resolution 92, marking California Holocaust Memorial Day, drew extensive floor remarks from multiple senators emphasizing remembrance, Holocaust education, antisemitism, and the need to confront hate and denial; the resolution was adopted unanimously. On third reading, the Senate passed AB 1389, an urgency measure ratifying a tribal-state gaming compact amendment with the Yurok Tribe, with no opposition and immediate effect. The chamber also received committee announcements about upcoming meetings of the Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee and the Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee. The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions honoring John Bean, Cynthia Brantley Pierce, and Detective Armando “Mando” Santana, each described as a significant community leader or public servant whose work and legacy were recognized by the Senate. The Pro Tem then announced the Senate would recess briefly and return for the next floor session on Thursday, April 16 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2015, Randy has served as general manager of the Northern California Power Agency, contributing
• As I said, a very accomplished individual with much experience and contributions to this industry.
• In recent years, scientific research has greatly contributed to our understanding of Parkinson's disease
• After retiring from coaching, Coach Bean became Laney's athletic director.
• We thank you for being here today to honor Cynthia's amazing contributions to the State of California

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They sustain the workforce across every sector, allowing parents to contribute to our economy.
• And how will you reasonably assure that someone like Chevron pays and contributes the 350,000 that's
• Of state entities opening child care centers and the cost of their employees' benefits, retirements,
• With no requirement of a federal contribution, no requirement of an employer contribution, no requirement
• of an employee contribution.

Bills: SB132 , SB241

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• importance of supporting dreamers and children of immigrants in pursuing higher education and economic contributions
• SB 1384, utilities contribution non-recoverable expenses lobbying.
• SCR 1033, state retirement systems digital assets.
• SCR 1033, state retirement systems digital assets.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You see, America would not be America without the contribution of Black Americans.
• Of priceless contributions that we have made to these communities.
• And lasting contributions of Black Americans throughout our history.
• So honoring Black contributions, it is a continued call to action. It is Black consciousness.
• Johnson for his contributions to the state of California.

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum call at the start, then proceeded with Black History Month observances, including a libation ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, and remarks emphasizing remembrance, ancestry, and the importance of honoring Black history. The chamber also handled routine procedural matters, including dispensing with the journal, re-referring certain Senate budget items to the Budget Committee, and allowing guest introductions and other unanimous-consent requests. The main floor action was on Assembly Concurrent Resolution 134, recognizing Black History Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the historical contributions of Black Americans, the ongoing effects of slavery and segregation, the need to protect voting rights and education, and the importance of solidarity across communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 74 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 132, declaring February 28 as Rare Disease Day. Members shared personal stories about ALS and other rare diseases, described barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage, and called for more research and support. The resolution received broad bipartisan support, with 71 co-authors added before adoption by voice vote. The chamber then recognized a series of Black History Month Unsung Heroes honorees, including community leaders, health professionals, advocates, and public servants, and later heard additional guest introductions. The meeting concluded with adjournments in memory of Peyton Trilling and John Jackson, followed by announcements and adjournment until February 26 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Labor and Public Employment and Retirement Committee will commence.
• of retirement savings.
• of retirement savings.
• , portable, and low-cost way to save for their retirement.
• State Teachers' Retirement System, known as CalSTRS, and California Public Employees' Retirement System

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on AB 1729, which would update California state telework policy. The author and many unionized state workers argued that telework has improved productivity, reduced emissions and commuting costs, saved the state money on office space, and should be governed by written, evidence-based departmental policies rather than blanket return-to-office mandates. Supporters emphasized flexibility, morale, and the need for transparency through a public dashboard. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was later moved on a 2-1 vote, with the item placed on call. Members also heard AB 805, which would create a Career Apprenticeship Bridge Program to connect high school career technical education with registered apprenticeships. The author and supporters said the bill implements recommendations from the California Youth Apprenticeship Model report and would expand earn-and-learn pathways, especially for youth facing barriers. The bill passed the committee 3-0 and was placed on call. Two workers’ compensation and labor-relations bills drew sharp opposition. AB 1576 would reform the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund; supporters said it would reduce litigation and employer assessments, while opponents argued it did not go far enough and preferred the administration’s trailer bill. AB 1582 would make it an unfair labor practice for UC or other higher education employers to disregard arbitration decisions on contracting out; supporters said it would protect arbitration outcomes for service workers, while UC argued it would interfere with bargaining agreements and threaten patient and student services. Both bills were moved on 2-1 votes and placed on call. After quorum was established, the committee also advanced AB 1630, allowing union representatives to invite bargaining-unit members to observe meet-and-confer sessions remotely; AB 2650, a CalSavers cleanup bill to improve retirement savings access and administration; AB 2054, expanding paid family leave eligibility for relatives of military service members on domestic duty; AB 2157, making permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund pilot program; and AB 1838, requiring bidders on local public works projects to disclose recent wage-and-hour violations. AB 1630 and AB 2157 were both placed on call after divided votes, while AB 2650 and AB 2054 passed 2-1 and 3-0 respectively, and AB 1838 was placed on call after a 1-1 vote. The transcript ends as the committee begins AB 2682, which would conform the appeal process for transportation network company driver unionization law.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are proud to contribute to the strength of public education in Texas, but we cannot continue to do
• Ethnic studies equips students with knowledge about the diverse people who have contributed to Texas
• Understanding these contributions encourages a strong sense of civic responsibility and patriotism.
• I'm about to retire, so this may be one of the last times I testify as an acting professor.
• Students understanding their full story and that they have contributed to the success of our state and

Bills: HB178 , HB178 , HB1551 , HB1939 , HB2040 , HB2354 , HB2674 , HB3029 , HB3460 , HB3631 , HB3662 , HB5201 , HB5381

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: efficiency audit, political subdivision, tax rate, fiscal management, government accountability, Texas education, public schools, curriculum, social studies, high school graduation requirements, State Board of Education, Education Code, ethnic studies, world history, world geography, U.S. history, government, economics, personal financial literacy, free enterprise

Transcript Highlights:

• in the Florida Retirement System beginning July 1, 2025.
• It also updates the required employer retirement contribution rates for each membership class to address
• With these modifications to employer contribution rates, the FRS Trust Fund will receive roughly $310
• The 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill.
• I'm a retired architect.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service, with the motion adopted and the confirmation recommended favorably. Members then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded actuarial liability, and allows certain elected officers to elect a DROP accumulation; a technical title amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill. The committee then heard extensive debate and public testimony on SB 1710, which would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies, trainings, and activities in state agencies, state-funded contractors and grantees, and medical institutions of higher education. Sponsor Senator DiCeglie said the bill is intended to prevent state agencies and contractors from using state funds for DEI programs and to limit state agencies from adopting DEI-related official positions; he also said the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s breadth and how it would affect health-related grants, public universities, historically Black institutions, recruitment, and contractor training. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and inclusion; a few supporters said DEI is ideological, can undermine merit, and should not be used by state agencies or publicly funded institutions. After debate, Senator Polsky argued the bill was confusing, overbroad, and harmful to serving diverse communities, while Senator Arrington said it was an overreach into private business and could have significant fiscal impacts. Chair Fine closed by saying DEI is political ideology and that the bill is meant to ensure government focuses on talent rather than identity. SB 1710 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote, with Senator Arrington voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, and heard the sponsor’s explanation of a delete-all amendment that would expand and clarify state restrictions on dealings with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, including certain nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, and grants; the amendment was adopted, and the sponsor and a witness began answering questions when the transcript cuts off.

Transcript Highlights:

• contributions contributions uh<00:12:48.959><c> statutes.
• I remember especially learning all about the retirement group two retirement. ...learning all about the
• retirement group two retirement.
• uh learning all about the retirement group<01:07:46.960><c> two</c><01:07:47.280><c> retirement.
• Um and uh anyway group two retirement.

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the 1970 this was a key contribution to the 1970 this was a key contribution to the College of Education
• in of Alabama until his retirement in of Alabama until his retirement in 2000 the YMCA inducted Dr Wade
• to the significant contributions to the significant contributions to the institution beginning with
• Master Sergeant daughter of retired Master Sergeant daughter of retired Master Sergeant Arthur Bruce
• and call that place folks that retire and call that place folks that retire and call that place home

Bills: SJR 36 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SR 45 , SR 47 , SR 63 , SR 66 , SR 70 , SR 85 , SCR 14 , SB 10 , SB 11 , SB 10 , SB 11

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a gentleman in Nebraska, a retired veteran, who by the time he realized what had happened had
• may accept a recurring contribution only if the contribution gives affirmative consent, which is what
• If a contributor gives affirmative consent to making a recurring contribution, the committee soliciting
• the recurring contribution shall provide a receipt to the contributor for each contribution, the frequency
• Are you tired of your taxes being raised, you know, contribute on a monthly basis?

Summary: The House began by noting the absence of a quorum and then establishing one by roll call. The chamber then took up House Bill 1788, with the sponsor moving the bill be perfected and printed and moving adoption of a House Committee Substitute and its title. The bill was described as a campaign finance measure prompted by reports of deceptive recurring donation solicitations during a prior governor’s race, including a case involving a Nebraska veteran who unknowingly continued making contributions. The core of HB 1788 requires affirmative opt-in consent for recurring political donations, rather than an opt-out checkbox, and requires clear cancellation information and receipts. A House Amendment was adopted after the sponsor explained it was mostly language cleanup requested by the Missouri Ethics Commission and did not change the bill’s substance. Members from Clay and Boone Counties asked about how the bill would apply to political parties versus issue-based fundraising, and the sponsor said recurring gifts to parties could continue because there is no election end date, while recurring solicitations tied to a candidate or specific ballot issue would end when the election concludes. Supporters argued the bill would protect donors from deceptive practices and align campaign finance rules with broader consent standards used in privacy and finance. After discussion, the House adopted the committee substitute as amended and ordered it perfected and printed. The remainder of the session consisted of announcements, including a Bible study invitation, Wear Red Day, a Future Caucus AI meeting, and a meeting notice for the Special Committee on Rural Issues, before the House adjourned until February 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• He retired from active duty after more than 26 years as an Air Force civil engineer.
• Vaughn has contributed significantly to public service and higher education.
• And they just retired back to Texas. He stepped down. her husband, Bill.
• We just had, gosh, the longest-standing vice chair, Annette Cisney, retire.
• I got, I, trustee Cisney just retired. I got her chair. Okay. There you go.

Committee: Senate Nominations

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met to consider several gubernatorial nominees and first approved a slate of nominees left pending from the March 31 agenda. The committee voted 5-0 to favorably report those nominees to the full Senate for confirmation. Public testimony was then opened and later closed, with some listed witnesses not appearing. The committee heard testimony on Jerry K. Weldon II for the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors. Senators focused on stewardship of the Brazos River, the authority’s relationship to the legislature and the public, Sunset review, water quality and nutrient runoff, impaired waterways, and possible uses of constructed wetlands for aggregate mine reclamation. Weldon emphasized collaboration, transparency, and keeping the citizens of Texas as the authority’s primary customer. Commissioner Robert Vaughn was considered for reappointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. Discussion centered on TxDOT’s management, rural funding, population growth, project delivery, and the commissioner’s role on the audit committee. Doug McCreakin was considered for the Texas Tech University Board of Regents, with questions about legislative priorities, compliance with DEI-related state law, workforce development, rural medical education, and university partnerships. Jody Giles was considered for reappointment to the University of Texas Board of Regents, and Bernadette Carrasco Coleman for reappointment to the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents; both discussed higher education priorities, PUF funding, compliance with state law, and student support programs. John Rutherford was considered for reappointment to the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees, with questions about fiduciary oversight, investment understanding, and keeping the retirement system solvent. Brigadier General Michael Boyd was also considered for appointment to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, where discussion focused on military retention, child care, spouse licensing, base infrastructure, and grant funding for Texas installations. The committee did not take final votes on these later nominees during the hearing and left them pending subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today he honors us with his presence although he is also celebrating his retirement as an agricultural
• colleagues gave him a rocking chair because they said he rocked his. career and they hope he rocks in retirement
• This is retirement, please. 33 34 35 36 . . . . 😋 😋 😋 Mr. Doorkeeper Mr.
• anniversary in 2025, providing a fitting opportunity to recognize the organization for its myriad contributions
• . contributions, and whereas Goodwill San Antonio traces its origins to 1945 when when it was launched

Bills: SJR39 , SJR68 , SCR29 , SCR42 , SB30 , SB33 , SB37 , SB217 , SB240 , SB331 , SB393 , SB505 , SB530 , SB546 , SB552 , SB584 , SB586 , SB618 , SB619 , SB636 , SB732 , SB769 , SB801 , SB825 , SB826 , SB844 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB957 , SB1065 , SB1150 , SB1184 , SB1257 , SB1261 , SB1262 , SB1299 , SB1314 , SB1325 , SB1398 , SB1413 , SB1455 , SB1539 , SB1577 , SB1583 , SB1596 , SB1620 , SB1624 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1667 , SB1717 , SB1727 , SB1760 , SB1789 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1868 , SB1870 , SB1883 , SB1901 , SB1923 , SB1924 , SB1927 , SB1951 , SB1960 , SB1962 , SB1963 , SB2010 , SB2018 , SB2023 , SB2024 , SB2037 , SB2051 , SB2052 , SB2056 , SB2066 , SB2073 , SB2127 , SB2129 , SB2161 , SB2183 , SB2185 , SB2207 , SB2252 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2368 , SB2405 , SB2439 , SB2626 , SB2717 , SB2743 , SB2774 , SB2949 , SB1 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR68 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR37 , SCR42 , SCR29 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB957 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB264 , SB1364 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB1877 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB393 , SB2243 , SB1919 , SB1791 , SB651 , SB826 , SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB2237 , SB1257 , SB2034 , SB1522 , SB1151 , SB596 , SB1191 , SB226 , SB570 , SB870 , SB991 , SB60 , SB1401 , SB1728 , SB586 , SB529 , SB217 , SB209 , SB1923 , SB1839 , SB387 , SB1874 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1921 , SB1883 , SB1620 , SB1838 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB2166 , SB510 , SB1860 , SB1314 , SB1398 , SB855 , SB2037 , SB1759 , SB1924 , SB1818 , SB1762 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2077 , SB2321 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB2124 , SB2204 , SB1855 , SB863 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB825 , SB1184 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1901 , SB2368 , SB1963 , SB1960 , SB1643 , SB1625 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB231 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB2231 , SB1490 , SB530 , SB1261 , SB2180 , SB1804 , SB1937 , SB1936 , SB2569 , SB1372 , SB1868 , SB2314 , SB769 , SB1409 , SB434 , SB1214 , SB1951 , SB2183 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB1870 , SB1727 , SB2405 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2066 , SB2129 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB2185 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1789 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB2010 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB844 , SB1920 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB884 , SB463 , SB331 , SB227 , SB240 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2053 , SB546 , SB2141 , SB2949 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1642 , SB1150 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2051 , SB2626 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1583 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB1413 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2774 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , HJR4 , SJR85 , SJR84 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SCR46 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1183 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB39 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB23 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB2 , SB260 , SJR68 , SB217 , SB331 , SB530 , SB546 , SB586 , SB1150 , SB1184 , SB1261 , SB1398 , SB1620 , SB1923 , SB1951 , SB1960 , SB2051 , SB2129 , SB2183 , SB2185 , SB2252 , SB2368 , SB2405 , SB2949 , SB825 , SB1870 , SB2010 , SR434 , SB3048 , SB3049 , SB3050 , SB3051 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3055 , SB3048 , SB3049 , SB3050 , SB3051 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3055

Keywords: constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, impeachment, public officers, removal from office, disqualification, El Paso, Boot Capital, cultural heritage, economic development, Western footwear, gender identity, biological sex, women's rights, immutability, policy, higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• It also lays the foundation of a defined contribution retirement program, and for a more detailed explanation
• It also lays the foundation of a defined contribution retirement program, and for a more detailed explanation
• </c><01:29:30.920><c> retirement</c> of a defined contribution retirement of a defined contribution retirement
• </c><01:30:31.360><c> plan</c> gives me some hope for a retirement plan gives me some hope for a retirement
• I hope in our next contract we can bargain over some kind of contribution.

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So no contributions have been made since 2000, which brings us to today after 25 years of overfunding
• This bill merged the LEOFF 1 plan with the public employees' and teacher retirement plans.
• This bill merged the LEOFF 1 plan with the public employees' and teacher retirement plans.
• Termination is when the retirement plan ceases to exist.
• This would be where the retirement plan itself is gone, but there are, of course, important rules to

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the county must contribute funds in the amount equal to its responsibility for public defense
• They require contributions to benefit plans that their employees may never invest in, and they impose
• And so I think that the service of retired firefighters is absolutely critical for us to respect.
• And I think structurally contributes to the rising juvenile crime that we’ve had in our state.
• And I think structurally contributes to the rising juvenile crime that we’ve had in our state.

Summary: The committee began with a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 1592, which would change how state public defense funds are distributed and, in the substitute version, keep current law on state funding responsibility while revising the allocation formula. Staff explained the bill would shift county and city distributions to a pro rata, caseload-based model, allow very low-density counties to request OPD to provide some or all public defense services, require additional data collection and reporting, and direct OPD to study caseload reductions and retention. Representative Peterson said the bill is meant to create a better structure for future state support of indigent defense without the very large cost of the original proposal. Testimony from counties, cities, OPD, defenders, and local officials was strongly supportive, emphasizing a statewide public defense crisis, rising local costs, staffing shortages, and the need for a fairer funding model. The committee then heard Substitute House Bill 1742 on environmentally sustainable urban design and Substitute House Bill 1906 on water system regulation and water rates. HB 1742 would create a center in Ecology to promote sustainable urban design, fund design competitions and grants, and establish an advisory council; the sponsor said the bill reflects a desire to support a pilot project through alternative funding, and there was no public testimony. HB 1906 would require more planning and notice for Group A water systems, add customer notice and right-of-first-refusal provisions for some ownership changes, and direct the UTC to consider external funding sources, capital planning, and rate smoothing when setting water rates. Water utility and PUD witnesses supported the goal of improving transparency and consolidation of failing small systems, while noting the substitute reduced some fiscal concerns. The committee also heard HB 2248 on Secretary of State corporate and charity filings, HB 2438 creating the SEED scholarship for early childhood education students, and HB 2515 addressing emerging large energy use facilities such as data centers. HB 2248 would redirect part of annual filing fees to the Secretary of State revolving fund, require initial reports from nonprofits and LLPs, and change trademark certificate procedures; the fiscal note showed modest revenue losses, and the division supported restoring the fee split for operational funding. HB 2438 would transfer $10 million annually from the GET account to fund scholarships and wraparound services for early childhood education degree seekers, with testimony from early learning advocates and a student describing workforce shortages and personal financial barriers. HB 2515 drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it would protect ratepayers, water resources, and grid reliability by requiring tariffs, reporting, clean-energy requirements, and a fee on large energy users; opponents argued it singled out data centers, could hurt investment and jobs, and included unrelated labor and procurement provisions. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive-session briefing on several bills and amendments, including HB 1903 on statewide low-income energy assistance, HB 1909 on a court unification task force, HB 1982 on vacating certain convictions tied to treaty Indian rights, HB 2034 on LEOFF Plan 1 retirement changes, HB 2105 on employer notice of federal I-9 audits, HB 2210 on ranked-choice voting, HB 2215 on Climate Commitment Act fuel supplier obligations, and HB 2271 on post-consumer recycled content requirements. Staff summarized proposed substitutes and amendments, with several changes aimed at reducing or shifting fiscal impacts, narrowing agency duties, or striking provisions entirely.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the five fire trucks that we will be retiring are about seven years old.
• When we retire them, they will go to departments.
• He's chair of our leadership build and a retired member of the energy industry. We have Ms.
• In the energy industry, there were the baby boomer retirements.
• And it boomer retirements. There was a gap of leadership within that industry.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed the 2024-25 tuition waiver report for the North Dakota University System. Staff explained that waivers were reported for degree-seeking students and broken out by residency, institution, and waiver type. Members asked about partial versus full waivers, institutional discretion, athletic waivers, and whether campuses have published guardrails or transparency requirements. Staff said most waivers are set by institutions, with some statutory and board-required categories, and that athletic waivers are a small share of total waiver dollars. The report showed total gross tuition of $354.5 million, tuition waived of $38.9 million, and 11,193 of 42,040 students receiving some waiver. Members also discussed how waivers affect net tuition revenue, housing and food collections, and whether campuses are using waivers strategically compared with scholarships and other funding sources. The committee then heard a presentation on tuition rates by campus and State Board policy. Staff explained the board’s tuition factors for resident, Minnesota reciprocity, contiguous-state/U.S. nonresident, and international students, and noted that campuses often seek exceptions based on program-specific competition and enrollment goals. Members asked whether rates are based on cost or competition, and staff said campuses typically bring forward estimates and market comparisons when requesting special rates. The presentation also reviewed general fund appropriations versus net tuition revenue by campus, and members discussed how local tuition decisions and waivers do not directly affect the state funding formula, though they do affect institutional revenue and reserves. Questions were also raised about the Higher Learning Commission’s financial composite indicator and how it differs from the more intuitive reserve and revenue figures. The committee next received a broad overview of non-higher-education entities affiliated with the State Board of Higher Education, beginning with NDSU agriculture-related units. Dr. Greg Lardy described the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, the NDSU Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the branch research centers, emphasizing their statewide role in crop and livestock research, extension education, and county-based outreach. He outlined funding mixes for extension, the experiment station, and branch stations, noting that grants and contracts support both research and education, while the agronomy seed farm is self-funded through seed sales. Members asked about the new and vacant FTE pool, R1 research status, matching requirements for grants, and whether state appropriations count toward research expenditures. Dr. Lardy also highlighted major research impacts, including crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, and NDAWN weather data. The Northern Crops Institute and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute also presented. NCI described its role in market development, technical services, and education for regional agriculture, its governance through the Northern Crops Council, and its funding from state appropriations, other states, and earned revenue. Members asked about the source of out-of-state funding, intellectual property, and the institute’s international reach. UGPTI then outlined its transportation research, federal and state funding structure, and work on road and bridge condition assessments, travel demand modeling, and workforce training. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m retired. I spend most of my time fishing and working on my ranch. As you know, I went back.
• although with a lot of the travels that I've done, most of my friends would say I've always been retired
• And all of these are contributed to when they're allowed.
• U.S.G as found out-economically, outdoor recreation contributes about $450 billion each year and supports
• Comically, outdoor recreation contributes about $450 billion each year and supports 4.5 million jobs,

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33025, a concurrent resolution supporting consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Idaho Department of Water Resources as part of broader executive-branch efficiency efforts. Senator Harris said the resolution explains the rationale and process for the proposed realignment, and noted a letter of support from commission leadership. Senator Guthrie asked how the estimated savings would be achieved. The committee voted to send the resolution to print. The main policy item was Senate Bill 1222, a trailer bill to last year’s domestic well legislation. Senator Anthony said it clarifies the definition of subdivision for IDWR purposes, ties it to a five-lot threshold, and makes clear the new rules apply only to subdivisions initiated on or after July 1, 2025. Supporters, including Paul Arrington and other stakeholders, said the bill fixes unintended effects on existing or partially built subdivisions and preserves the original intent of the law, while still limiting future domestic-exempt well use. Bruce Smith testified in opposition to immediate action, urging the committee to table the bill and hear more from IDWR about implementation. After questions about domestic use, fire suppression, subdivision definitions, and irrigation impacts, the committee voted to send SB 1222 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board from Kenneth Long and Carl Ray. Both described their backgrounds in outfitting, guiding, outdoor recreation, and public service, and members asked about board responsibilities, geographic representation, and challenges facing the industry, including access and tag allocation. The committee then took up Docket No. 24-3501-2-250, a set of eight rule changes for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. John Price said the changes were part of zero-based regulation and were developed through public meetings and stakeholder input; they removed duplicative definitions, clarified overlap predator and tag designation rules, refined river boundary descriptions, and corrected a typo. The committee voted to adopt the docket. At the end of the meeting, the committee hosted an American Falls FFA Ag Issues team presentation on the federal roadless rule rescission. The students presented arguments on both sides of the issue, focusing on forest health, wildfire risk, tribal concerns, recreation, and economic development. Senators praised the students’ preparation and leadership, but no committee action was taken on the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's a retired fire captain and a paramedic, and he served on the Contra Costa County Fire Protection
• Our contributions are not limited to inventions and innovations.
• Let us remember that this month is about, again, continuing to highlight their contributions, thanking
• How profound the Black community's contributions, and we say that sometimes as though it's a voluntary
• It is not just a contribution. It is a fight. It is a struggle and it is a joy of excellence.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of corrected journals, and a brief recognition of guests. The body then considered four gubernatorial appointments to the Seismic Safety Commission: Deborah Garns, David Rabbit, Cindy Silva, and Vincent Wells. Senators spoke in support of the appointees, especially highlighting Garns’ leadership during the Rio Dell earthquake response and the commission experience of the others. All four confirmations were approved unanimously, with 37 ayes and 0 noes each. The Senate next adopted SR 69 designating February as Montessori Month. Senator Niello described Montessori education’s history, California ties, and current teacher shortages, while a group of Montessori educators and students from the California Montessori Project was recognized in the gallery. The Senate then took up SCR 122 honoring Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week. Senator Weber Pearson and many others from both parties spoke about Black history as American history, the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, ongoing civil rights and education issues, and the importance of recognizing Black contributions in public life, culture, and policy. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The remainder of the session focused on Black History Month observances, including the California Legislative Black Caucus’s “Unsung Heroes” honorees, who were introduced and recognized for community service, arts, public safety, health care, and youth support. The Senate also heard several adjournment-in-memory tributes for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward, who died after a battle with cancer, and for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, with members recalling his advocacy, charisma, and personal impact. The Senate adjourned after announcing its next meeting for February 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our contributions are not limited to inventions and innovations.
• Today and throughout Black History Month, we honor the lives, contributions, and voices of the Black
• Let us remember that this month is about, again, continuing to highlight their contributions, thanking
• How profound the Black community's contributions, and we say that sometimes as though it's a voluntary
• It is not just a contribution. It is a fight. It is a struggle and it is a joy of excellence.

Keywords: 987, senate, all